Joy Productions and Broadway Theatre Catford present their purr-fectly delightful 2025 pantomime Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat.
Fur-get everything you thought you knew about Dick Whittington! Our ‘tail’ begins with our hero and his feline friend setting sail on the Empire Windrush, whisk(er)ing away to seek their fortune on London’s streets of gold. But when they arrive in Catford, they discover the neighbourhood has a serious Cat-astrophe – Queen Rat and her rodent army are causing mayhem!
Join Dick and his Cat as they pounce into adventure, encounter an eccentric fairy, are helped on the way by a larger than life cook & fall head over paws in love.
This Christmas, treat your family to a panto that’s the cat’s pyjamas – packed with hysterical comedy, claw-some dance numbers, villains so dastardly you’ll be feline the need to boo, and enough Christmas spirit to make even the coolest cats purr with delight!
Remember: In Catford, every cat has its day… and every pantomime has its MEOW-ment!
Written by Susie McKenna it is a tribute to her wife Sharon D Clarke’s parents Viola and Vincent Clarke. McKenna has revamped the storyline, adding a local twist which transports Dick and his faithful cat from Jamaica to seek his fortune on the streets of Catford. She says: “This panto is a love letter to the Windrush Generation and to everyone who has contributed to create this vibrant and multi-cultural country we live in today. I hope audiences in Lewisham and beyond will experience laughter and connection, all the while spreading the message of joy and unity at this important time of the year.”
Joy Productions’ producer Julie Clare comments: “This truly is a revolutionary take on a classic tale. Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat embodies a journey of hope and opportunity and pays homage to the enduring legacy of the Windrush community which continues to shape British culture and identity today. I hope this story will resonate deeply with audiences, breathing new relevance into this popular folk tale.“
This year’s seven strong principle cast will be directed by former Wolsey Theatre Artistic Director and musical theatre supremo Pete Rowe. Durone Stokes – Dick Whittington; Justin Brett- Sarah The Cook; Natasha Lewis – Queen Rat; Wayne Rollins – The Cat/Uncle Vincent; Lisa Davina Phillip – Fairy Bowbells; Fergie Fraser – Alice Fitzwarren; Ben Fox – Alderman Fitzwarren.
Cllr Sakina Sheikh – Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Sports – said: “We are super excited to partner with Joy Productions for a third year. This fresh take on Dick Whittington and his Catford Cat is a fantastic celebration of our borough. Blending a local landmark with a classic tale of courage, while also paying tribute to the Windrush generation will really resonate with our communities.
Panto brings people together and there’s nothing quite like experiencing it at our iconic Broadway Theatre. We encourage residents to book early, bring loved ones and get ready for another unforgettable ride!”
In 1944, Sam King responded to an advertisement in The Gleaner that called for volunteers to join the British Royal Air Force to fight in the Second World War. After carrying out initial training in Kingston, he was posted to an RAF training centre at Filey in Yorkshire and thence to RAF Hawkinge, a fighter base near Folkestone, Kent, where he worked as an engineer. He was demobilised in 1947 and returned to Jamaica.
Back in Jamaica King struggled to settle into civilian life, finding it difficult to get work, and it was another advertisement in The Gleaner – for tickets on the Empire Windrush – that saw him return to the UK on the Windrush′s now famous first journey, and rejoined the RAF. He left the armed forces in 1953 and settled in Southwark, where he found work as a postman, the start of a 34-year career with the Post Office.
Broadway Theatre Catford from 9th – 31st December.
Booking and full details: Booking: https://www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk/events/dick-whittington-and-his-catford-cat
